Survey Says Faribault's Most Iconic Image Is...

Faribault Area Chamber of Commerce and Tourism President/Chief Executive Officer Nort Johnson reminded KDHL listeners Thursday about a survey taken a few years ago where people were asked to rank the most iconic image associated with Faribault.

According to the survey the clock tower on the Shattuck-St. Mary's campus was rated number one. No offense to Shattuck but it might not make my top five. Why do I say that you ask? I know a number of people living in Faribault who have never stepped foot on that campus.

I've been on the campus numerous times over the years and no question it's an awesome clock tower. The history of the school is interesting too. Shattuck started on June 3, 1858 in a small rented building in Faribault. The Reverend James Lloyd Breck established the Episcopal mission school and seminary from which Shattuck-St. Mary's School developed. The school opened (according to it's website) "with 45 young boys and girls and six divinity students, both Native American and white." I just don't think the image associated with Faribault by the majority of it's residents would be the Shattuck clock tower.

The topic came up toward the end of our AM Minnesota program when I brought up the fact lights adorn a bridge crossing the Cannon River in Northfield. I said Faribault should light up the historic viaduct.

In my mind the Faribault Viaduct is the top image associated with Faribault. When I graduated from high school a friend was taking the diesel mechanics program at what was then I believe the Faribault Vocational School. A few friends and I traveled here to visit him.

Faribault Viaduct View From Community Co-Op. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld

Little did I know that I will probably spend the majority of my life here. What I remembered about Faribault before I came here for my job interview in 1987 was the smell that is hard to describe (thank heavens for the most part that is gone) and the viaduct with the bluff off to the left going east and a very nice view of the city crossing west.

The Faribault Viaduct is known as MnDOT Bridge 5370 by the state and was built in 1937. It is on the National Register of Historic Places

Even if the survey only asked Faribault residents I am not of the belief the Shattuck Clock Tower would top the list.

Number two was Central Avenue in downtown Faribault. The viaduct came in third and the Faribo Woolen Mill Smokestack was fourth.

Downtown Faribault Night View. Photo by Gordy Kosfeld

In my top five would be the bell tower of Our Merciful Savior Cathedral, Buckham Memorial Library and the Central Park Band Shell. I might even put the Rice County Courthouse ahead of the Shattuck Clock Tower.

Of course we are all entitled to our opinions and this is where you come in. Faribault residents and those who visit Faribault from the KDHL/POWER 96 listening area please rank your top 5 images you associate with Faribault.

There is no right or wrong answer here. When you think of Faribault what image stands out in your mind?